Frequently Asked Questions About the Aspen Community School
Question: Why should I send my child to the Aspen Community School?
Answer: There are five main reasons to send your child to ACS:
- Small class size. No greater than 16:1. This allows caring, dedicated adults to form authentic learning relationships with each child. Instruction can be differentiated to meet student needs.
- Integrated curriculum. ACS is a leader in helping students realize the connections between subjects, ideas and concepts. Every year the entire school studies, in depth, at least three cross-age integrated topics. Past topics have included: the Roaring Fork Water Shed, Albert Einstein, the Olympics, Immigration, American Liberty and Aesop’s Fables. We pay special attention to including academic and social integration as much as possible with each unit of study. You will frequently find students writing in music and visual art class, drawing to illustrate a language arts project, or combining a physical education activity with mathematics. These integrated connections are critical for creating relevant learning experience and stimulating brain growth.
- Academic excellence. There are many indicators of academic excellence. Each student keeps track of his or her progress in a student portfolio. This collection of authentic documents details what a student has learned and how they can improve. Small class size ensures that teachers can effectively monitor and support each student and their progress/needs. All third through eight grade students take the Colorado Student Assessment (CSAP) in Math, Reading, Writing and Science (8th grade).
- Outstanding Integrated Arts. Both visual and performing arts are interwoven throughout the academic curriculum. Students take specific arts classes to learn skills, which they then apply in all areas of study. In 2004 ACS received the Kennedy Center National School of Distinction Award for outstanding achievement in arts education. ACS is one of only five schools nationally to receive this award.
- Social Emotional Program. Every student participates in ongoing social emotional classes to create a positive school climate and healthy community. Students are taught specific skills to interact with adults and peers with mutual respect and cooperation.
Question: What are the core subjects taught daily at ACS?
Answer: Math, Language Arts, the Arts and Social Emotional. Students must meet or exceed all state standards for math, language arts and the arts.
Question: What else does ACS teach?
Answer: Science, Social Studies, Outdoor Education and most importantly, a love of learning. Often, science, social studies and outdoor education are taught during all school integrated units. For example, students learned about the life and work of Albert Einstein and then learned and performed a dance at the District Theater, based on Einstein’s life. Our Spring Musical often has a social studies theme. Outdoor education usually integrates with an academic and or social emotional theme.
Question: Is there a foreign language program?
Answer: Yes. We are in the process of expanding our foreign language opportunities for all grade levels. In the past we have focused on 7th and 8th grade and high school readiness. Our goal is to instill a love of foreign languages and to prepare students to enter high school language programs.
Question: Isn’t it a “hippy” school?
Answer: No. ACS started as a private school in the early 1970s. Parents wanted a more creative alternative to what was available at the time. Over the past 35 years ACS has evolved and innovated in order to provide students and their families educational choice. We work closely with the Aspen School District to meet and exceed all Colorado State Content Standards. Several ACS alumni (Matt Holstein and Brittany Biebl) have been valedictorians at Aspen High School. Nelson Harvey graduated at the top of his class at CRMS. ACS graduates are found on honor rolls throughout the valley high schools every year. An excellent record considering ACS only graduates 12 students a year.
Question: Is the staff qualified?
Answer: Yes. All teachers at ACS must be highly qualified as defined by the No Child Left Behind Act. They are well educated and are experts in their subject area, effective mentors and form the core of our collaborative community.
Question: How much is the tuition?
Answer: ACS is a public charter school. There is NO tuition
Question: Is there bus service?
Answer: ACS provides service, for a fee, to all students who live in the Aspen School District. Out of District families currently utilize a bus run by a private company to provide bus service.
Question: How can ACS afford to operate?
Answer: ACS operates with a combination of state funds, grants and private donations.
Question: How do students enroll in ACS?
Answer: Students are chosen by lottery open to both in and out of district residents. Preference is given to in district students and students with siblings attending the school. Applicants must visit the school before being accepted.
